What is the danger of a compression fracture of the spine in children?

Compression fracture of the spine in children is not such a rare phenomenon. Children are very active and mobile. They know no fear and do not represent the consequences of their risky actions. Besides the growing skeletal system more vulnerable. But the young organism is able to very quickly recover. Bones heal better and faster than adults.

The spine is the main component of the musculoskeletal system. It is also the basis of the muscular and nervous systems. The spinal column serves to support and protect the spinal cord. Thanks to the spinal cord interacts with the brain to all parts of the body. Spinal injuries are particularly dangerous because of the high probability of damage to the spinal cord. Injured elements of the spine can cross or pinch nerve chain, and the person may become partially or completely paralyzed.

What is a compression fracture

Compression is compression. Compression fracture of the spine appears when compression of the spine. The vertebrae are compressed, flattened, cracked and deformed. Can serious damage to one or more vertebrae. The injured vertebrae were most often deformed in the front. His form becomes klinetobe. Back part of it could crash into the spinal canal where the spinal cord. With timely treatment for medical assistance, as a rule, they are easily treated.

Compression fractures are complicated and uncomplicated. In uncomplicated fractures, the child may only experience pain at the site of injury. In complicated fractures disturbances of spinal cord function. The most dangerous fracture - with the formation of bone fragments. The pieces can "cut" the nerve roots. Such trauma can lead to disability and even death.

Compression fractures are divided according to the degree of deformity of a vertebral body. If the vertebra are "dipped" in height less than half of diagnosed first degree of the fracture. The second level is determined when the height was decreased by half, and the third - if more than half.

Causes of compression fractures in children

In the first place cause of the compression fracture are different injuries.

Compression of the spine can occur if you jump from a relatively large height: swings or slides, roofs, garage, shed or wood, and also in physical education classes orthe sports sections, if improperly performed exercises in the pool while jumping in the water.

In addition, trauma can result from accidents or blows to the head. With intense flexion of the torso and when lifting weights, too, can be deformed vertebrae. In children the most common fracture in the thoracic spine, which occurs because of a fall on the back.

If the child has diseases of the musculoskeletal system, to cause a compression fracture can and minor injuries. In the process of growth in children can develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by reduction of bone tissue. Such bones become brittle and break from minor impacts.

Symptoms of compression fractures

The fracture may not have obvious symptoms, or they can quickly disappear by themselves.

The child may feel pain in the damaged area of the spine or are constantly under stress. In this area can be muscle strain, it is possible to detect the so-called muscle roller is a pain tension performs a protective function.

Perhaps the emergence of a girdling pain in the abdominal area. The skin may acquire a bluish tint. Motor ability of the injured spine may be limited. Every third victim is a child can not sit or stand up. In very rare cases, there may be paresis - partial paralysis. Or even full paralysis of the limbs.

At a palpation of the spine in the area of the fracture, the child will feel pain. If you care to put pressure on the forearm or head, the baby will also feel the pain. If damaged vertebrae in the thoracic spine of the baby can be difficulty breathing. He can't do a full inhale or exhale. Possible even a short delay of breath. If damaged vertebrae in the neck, the child will not be able to freely turn my head. Rotational movements and tilt movements of the head will be limited. Neck muscles in such cases is tense, and the neck position will be displaced.

In those cases where it's easy to feel unnaturally protruding vertebrae or markedly apparent curvature of the spine, the diagnosis is obvious.

The most accurate diagnosis is made by radiographic study. Upon detection of at least one symptom of compression fracture should immediately take the affected child to the trauma surgeon, who will conduct the necessary x-rays.

First aid for spinal trauma

Injured child needs first aid. Even if the injuryis at first glance easy, you need to exercise caution. Because some symptoms of other damage may not appear immediately.

If the child is able to speak, it is necessary to ask in detail about his feelings. Then you need to inspect and palpate the spine to determine if there are any bumps and areas with intense pain.

If there is the slightest suspicion of complicated fracture (the child does not feel any part of the body or feels numbness in the extremities), need urgent hospitalization with the fixation of body position. Therefore, until a full examination of the child to move.

If the child is able to move all body parts freely, with the big share of probability it is possible to be sure that the fracture is uncomplicated.

When there is suspected fracture of the cervical spine, the transportation of the child is carried out with fixation of the neck with special tires. Have a child with such a fracture can be difficult to breath. In this case, it is necessary to fix the tongue or hold his hand, not allowing to sink. The oral cavity should be cleaned of mucus and vomit. The head should turn slightly to the side and down against the body.

If the damage is other parts of spinal column of the child victim transportyour on a hard stretcher or a flat panel. If nothing is hard, it is advisable to carry on a normal stretcher, putting the baby on the stomach. Under head put pillow.

If there are wounds, they must be treated with disinfectant and apply a dressing.

When indicated, the child is doing artificial respiration and indirect heart massage.

Calling an ambulance, it is imperative to report suspected fracture of the spine. Even if this diagnosis was not subsequently confirmed.

Treatment of compression fractures

Treat spine is damaged, stop and rest. In most mild cases, treatment may be restricted by wearing a special corset. But as a rule, the child is prescribed bed rest on a hard and flat surface in the hospital.

If the child is in pain, the doctor prescribes painkillers. As the recovery of the patient is prescribed massages, medical gymnastics and physical therapy.

In cases of complicated fractures may require surgical intervention and resuscitation.

Despite the fact that recovery occurs quickly in children, rehabilitation after compression fractures of the spine may be required in the next 1,5 - 2years.

The consequences of lack of timely medical care

Due to the fact that some of the symptoms of fracture will eventually diminish or disappear, many do not seek medical attention on time. Some parents begin to treat the injury yourself, do massage or physiotherapy. This is very dangerous, because at the time of injury may be affected by the surrounding tissue and organs. Such self-treatment can seriously aggravate the trauma.

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Self-treatment, and delayed treatment to the doctor, can cause serious harm to the health of the child. Not in the least dangerous disregard for medical care. An untreated fracture can lead to abnormal curvature of spine, for life disfiguring the child.